The first beta version of iOS 16 was released to developers earlier this week, and we already know more about several of its new features, including a custom lock screen and new iMessage features. In addition, Apple will now allow users to uninstall the Find My, Health and Clock applications with the update.
The ability to uninstall Apple apps that are pre-installed on iOS is not a new feature. From iOS 10, users can delete applications such as calculator, calendar, mail, music, notes and podcasts. Over the years, Apple has expanded the list of native system applications that can be removed from the iPhone and iPad. Now Find My, Health and Clock are part of this list.
As confirmed by 9to5Mac, these three apps can now be removed from iOS 16 and iPadOS 16. But of course, you’ll probably lose some system functionality by removing Find My, Health or Clock apps from your devices.
When it comes to Find My, deleting the app does not exclude built-in Find My features, such as Find My Friends. A message warns the user that all people, devices or items associated with their Apple ID will remain there after uninstalling the app and that users can still manage these options in the Settings app.
However, as you might expect, you won’t be able to find your devices and accessories like AirTag without the app installed. Apps removed from iOS can be reinstalled at any time through the App Store. There are now only a few native Apple apps that still can’t be uninstalled, such as Phone, Safari, Messages, and the App Store.
9to5Mac’s Take
Although I’ve always appreciated the ability to hide or remove Apple’s native apps, as not everyone uses the company’s own services, it’s interesting to see that this option has been extended to such important apps as Find My and Health. At the same time, it is strange to think that someone will delete the native Clock application, losing options for creating timers and alarms.
But the explanation for this may be related to the latest antitrust investigations that Apple is facing. As early as 2020, the European Union raised the possibility of banning technology companies from forcing users to install all their own applications. There are also allegations that Apple is using its control of iOS to push its own services.
After iOS 14.3, Apple added a new step in the process of setting up a new iPhone or iPad, which offers some third-party applications to the user to meet the requirements of governments like Russia. As such, allowing users to remove all iOS apps can reduce the chances of a company being affected by additional antitrust cases.
More about iOS 16
iOS 16 is now available as beta software for developers. A public beta will be released next month, while the official version is expected this fall.
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